Bill Simms ’86 recently had the experience of a lifetime - watching his daughter help bring home an Olympic gold medal for Team USA.

Simms’ daughter, Kirsten Simms, a forward for the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team, competed in the Winter Olympic Games held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The skating events took place in Milan. Team USA went undefeated throughout the tournament, culminating in a 2–1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game.

Currently a senior forward for the University of Wisconsin Women's Hockey Team, Kirsten balanced her collegiate career with competing on the U.S. Women’s National Team at the highest level of international play.

Team USA’s Olympic run included seven games:

• Game 1: Defeated Czechia, 5–1
• Game 2: Defeated Finland, 5–0
• Game 3: Defeated Switzerland, 5–0
• Game 4: Defeated Canada, 5–0
• Game 5 (Quarterfinal): Defeated Italy, 6–0
• Game 6 (Semifinal): Defeated Sweden, 5–0
• Game 7 (Gold Medal Game): Defeated Canada, 2–1 in overtime

For Kirsten, winning gold was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“Kirsten describes winning the gold medal as a lifelong dream come true and an achievement and celebration for the entire nation,” Bill said. “The team was strongly united with the goal of representing the US on the world stage. She describes this moment as one that she will re-live and remember her whole life. She is just incredibly honored to be a part of this amazing team that brought a gold medal home to the U.S.”

For Bill, the experience as a father was deeply emotional.

“As a parent, the entire experience is overwhelming and emotional in ways I didn't anticipate,” he shared. “I have to pinch myself that I was able to watch my daughter live out her childhood dream of representing her country in the Olympics. Seeing her walk in the opening and closing ceremonies to seeing her step foot on the Olympic ice and watching her score her first Olympic goal were all very special moments.”

He added, “Having our family there and watching as she was presented with a gold medal and singing the national anthem with pride and joy with her teammates... that is a moment I will cherish forever and still cannot find words to describe. What a special opportunity it is to represent our country and we are so very proud of how she carried out that responsibility.”

Also in attendance in Italy was Kirsten’s uncle and godfather, Steve Girolamo ’90, who traveled to cheer her on. The family celebrated together following Team USA’s historic gold medal victory.

Catholic Central congratulates Kirsten on this extraordinary accomplishment and celebrates the Simms family as part of our Shamrock brotherhood. We are proud to see members of our extended CC family representing our nation with excellence!